Tong-Len proudly announces that one of our students from the slum has graduated with the double degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Here is her story.
“From Handouts to Healing Hands: My Path to Becoming a Doctor”
I’m Dr. Pinky, and my journey from the streets of McLeod Ganj to becoming a medical doctor is something I still find hard to believe.
In 2004, when I was just 4 ½ years old, my life took a turn I could never have anticipated. My mother and I often spent our days begging on the streets of McLeod Ganj where we would see monks from the main temple of H.H. The Dalai Lama’s temple distributing biscuits, fruits, and bread. These simple, humble items were more than just food—they were a symbol of kindness and hope during challenging times.
I remember vividly how these monks would share what they had with us. Those moments of generosity were small but significant, and they stayed with me. Little did I know then that this early exposure to such compassion would play a crucial role in my future.
Later that year, I was selected to join the Tong-Len hostel, becoming part of the very first batch of students. The change from living on the streets to living in the hostel was incredible.
In early 2005, a few months after joining the hostel, I participated in an interview session. Despite my young age and limited understanding, I expressed a desire to become a doctor. I didn’t fully grasp what being a doctor involved or where that inspiration came from, but I voiced my dream nonetheless.
What seemed like an impossible dream for a street child became a reality thanks to the support and education provided by Tong-Len. The education I received went far beyond academic learning. It also instilled in me the values of compassion, kindness and service to humanity.
Today, as I celebrate my achievement of becoming a doctor, I am filled with a deep sense of purpose. My journey from the streets to the medical field is not just about the professional milestone but about the person I’ve become—a person committed to serving others with empathy and dedication.
I am incredibly proud to be part of a legacy that includes many other children who, like me, have had their lives changed through Tong-Len’s initiatives. I am profoundly grateful to Tong-Len, its supporters, the staff, my parents, and especially to Jamyang la, my Guru ji, and to Navita, my hostel mother. Without their unwavering support, my dream of becoming a doctor would have remained just that—a dream. I carry with me not just the knowledge and skills of a medical professional but also the values and lessons learned along the way.